LATITUDE FORTY  is delighted to invite you into - Solares de Portugal - splendid homes which range from stately manor houses and elegant country houses, to farm houses and rustic cottages, each with its own individual character.

All the houses  have been arranged into three distinct groups: "Casas Antigas", "Quintas e Herdades" and
"Casas Rústicas". They are family homes as opposed to hotels, offering a very different kind of holiday experience with that 'personal touch.' Just a decade ago many of these houses were facing decay, but with government support they have been painstakingly restored to their former glory and have now opened their doors to receive guests. They have since been individually inspected to ensure the highest standards of quality and hospitality.

Many  homes have played host to the same family for hundreds of years and often date back to the 16th and 17th Centuries. Embracing Portugal's finest antiques, fine art and furniture, they represent Centuries of Portuguese history and culture. Visitors will note several African, Indian and Brazilian influences, bearing witness to Portugal's ex-colonies.

On arrival at your chosen home you will be greeted by a warm welcome from your host family. Owners eagerly share their inside knowledge about local places of interest to visit, festivals, local gastronomy and traditions. Guests will find a range of leisure opportunities at their disposal, such as fishing, hunting, golf, swimming, rambling, tennis, horseback riding, cycling and winetasting.

Dinner forms an important part of family life in which guests are often invited to participate, providing the opportunity to become acquainted withyour host family and share your day's discoveries with other guests. Conversation often continues well into the night, gathered around a log fire with a glass of Port wine to hand. Portuguese gastronomy is renowned worldwide for its famous wines such as Vinho Verde, Port, Mateus, Madeira and Dão; excellent seafood such as salmon, trout and shellfish, and its tasty pork and beef dishes. Several houses produce their own specialities including a range of wines, cheeses and honey.

The houses we offer  fall into 3 different categories for which the prices vary accordingly - although our trademark of excellence is consistent throughout. Category A houses are our finest manors and palaces, luxuriously furnished with antiques and family heirlooms, often surrounded by beautiful gardens. Many of their names are preceded by the word 'Paço,' a term used to indicate that a King has stayed there. Category B incorporates our country houses and smaller manors, many of which date from the 18th Century and carry on the farming traditions of their ancestors. Category C establishments are largely rustic cottages and farmhouses, which have been converted into comfortable apartments.